In a dramatic turn of events, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law Tuesday night, triggering immediate protests and a swift rebuke from the nation's Parliament. This unprecedented move was met with strong opposition, including from within Yoon's own party, ultimately leading to the declaration being lifted just hours later.
Yoon's justification for the declaration centered around eliminating what he termed "anti-state" forces, accusing the Parliament of sympathizing with North Korea. He portrayed the move as necessary to protect South Korea's freedoms and constitutional order, claiming opposition parties had created a national crisis. The declaration, however, evoked memories of South Korea's authoritarian past, a period the country had long since moved beyond.
National Assembly employees confront soldiers amidst the martial law declaration. (Cho Da-un/Yonhap via AP)
Hundreds of protestors gathered outside the Parliament building, clashing with troops and demanding the withdrawal of martial law. Inside, lawmakers acted swiftly, voting unanimously to lift the declaration. The vote underscored the strong opposition to Yoon's actions and reaffirmed the Parliament's authority in such matters.
Citizens gather to protest President Yoon's actions in front of the National Assembly. (Kim Do-hoon/Yonhap via AP)
Internationally, the Pentagon confirmed that U.S. officials were closely monitoring the situation and maintaining communication with their South Korean counterparts. While the situation caused concern, there were no reported changes to the U.S. military presence in South Korea.
The public reacts to President Yoon's televised address. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Yoon's drastic action comes amid ongoing political tensions and low approval ratings. The liberal Democratic Party's control of the National Assembly has frequently led to clashes with Yoon's agenda, contributing to the current political climate.
